Memorials and Commemorations

Photos of military memorials and solemn ceremonies honoring fallen service members, reflecting on sacrifice and remembrance.

Reflected names of the fallen at Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall monument in Washington DC, USA.

Iwo Jima statue, Arlington, Virginia, Marine Corps War Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery. Raising of the U.S. flag on Iwo Jima during World War II.

Master Sgt. Robert Lilly pays his respects to a fallen veteran May 28, 2013, at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Boulder City, Nev. Lilly and other Airmen from Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., volunteered their time to place flags over veterans cemetery plots for Memorial Day weekend. Lilly is a 57th Operations Group joint tactical air controller.

Low angle view of a war memorial, Iwo Jima Memorial, Arlington, Virginia, USA

An American Flag is displayed during a Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) disinterment ceremony, Honolulu, Hawaii, April 11, 2022. The ceremony was part of DPAAs efforts to disinter the remains of unknown service members lost during the Korean War. DPAAs mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and our nation.

F-16s from the 33rd Fighter Wing fly in a missing-man formation over the Khobar Towers Memorial June 24, 2011, at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. June 25 marks the 15th anniversary of the bombing that killed 19 service members including 12 33rd FW Airmen. Each year, a ceremony is held by the 33rd FW to remember their fallen brothers.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC,a marble wall with names of fallen soldiers at the Vietnam War.Close-up shot of the names of the soldiers,United States,USA

American flags planted at the National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Gettysburg National Historic Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Pennsylvania, United States of America

US flag in front of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, national memorial with the names of fallen US soldiers during the Vietnam War, Washington DC, District of Columbia, United States of America, USA, PublicGround, North America

Reflected names of the fallen at Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall monument in Washington DC, USA.

021023-M-8719G-047. State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: MCB CVIC

Washington Monument, names on Vietnam Memorial. Washington DC

May 26, 2008 - During a Memorial Day Wreath-laying ceremony at the Air Force Memorial Chief Master of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley pays tribute to the more than 55,000 Airman, since World War One, who have given their lives in service to their country, Washington, D.C. The ceremony was co-sponsored by the Air Force Association and Air Force Sergeants Association.

USA Memorial Day concept. American flag and dog tags on a black background. Handwritten lettering on chalkboard.. USA Memorial Day concept. American flag and dog tags on black background. Handwritten lettering on chalkboard.

United States, Washington, D.C. A couple at the Vietnam Memorial at dusk.

North America, USA, Wisconsin. Richland Center, American Legion, Veteran's Memorial Park, Bayard de Hart Post 13

Members of the public stop and read some of the names of fallen Oregon service members from World War II following the Memorial Day ceremony held at the World War II Memorial in Salem, Ore., May 30, 2022. Oregon National Guard members participated in several Memorial Day community events around the state today, underscoring the significance of those members of the United States military that paid the ultimate sacrifice to this nation. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

DD-ST-85-07630. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A view of the flag filled Barrancas National Cemetery on Veterans Day. Base: Naval Air Station, Pensacola State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. Following the Challenger memorial ceremony held Jan. 28 in front of the Space Memorial Mirror at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Visitor Complex, this wreath remains as a reminder of the fallen heroes. It was placed there by June Scobee Rodgers, widow of Dick Scobee, commander of Challenger, and William Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations at NASA. They were participants in the ceremony, along with Dr. Mick Ukleja, who gave the invocation; Dr. Stephen Feldman, president of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation; Rep. Dave Weldon and Rep. Tom Feeney; William Potter, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation; William Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations at NASA; Jim Kennedy (second from left), center director of KSC; June Scobee Rodgers, widow of Dick Scobee, commander of Challenger; Col. Richard Scobee, son of Dick Scobee and June Scobee Rodgers; Capt. Frederick Hauck, commander of the f

U.S. service members with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) take part in a repatriation ceremony at the American Memorial on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, March 30, 2023. The ceremony was held to repatriate possible remains found during a recent Recovery Mission to the Solomon Islands which will then be taken to DPAA facilities for possible identification in an ongoing effort to account for the 5,800 U.S. service members still missing from Pacific Theater during WWII.

Arkansas Korean War Veterans' Memorial

USA, New-York, Memorial in honor Fallen Firefighters during the attacks of September 11, 2001

Vietnam Memorial

Silhouette of Army soldier in front of stylized U.S. flag in the form of huge wing.

The boots for Sgt. Eliu Miersandoval and Cpl. Juan Cabral Banuelos are tied together while being displayed among hundreds during Fort Hoods eighth annual Memorial Remembrance, honoring those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Each fallen service member is represented with a combat boot featuring the service member's name and photo, alongside an American flag.

Vietnam Memorial in Washington DC, USA, America, North America

Names of the soldiers fallen in WW I. Canadian National Vimy Memorial (First World War Memorial) on the Vimy Ridge near the town of Arras.

USA, Virginia, Arlington. The Marine Corps War Memorial or Iwo Jima Memorial in Arlington Ridge Park.

Veterans from an honor flight participate in the first Flowers of Remembrance Day at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., May 28, 2022. Visitors were given the opportunity to cross the plaza and place a flower in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This event pays homage to the first official Decoration Day, now known as Memorial Day, which originally took place at the cemetery in 1868 as a way to honor the sacrifices of those who fought and died in the Civil War.

Man doing a rub Vietnam War Memorial, Washington DC, USA

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A flag flies at half-staff near the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida during a Day of Remembrance wreath laying ceremony to honor members of the NASA family who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. The large mirror made of black granite was designated as a national memorial by Congress and President George Bush in 1991. It honors 24 United States astronauts, including the crew members of space shuttles Columbia and Challenger, Apollo 1, and those who died in training and commercial airplane accidents. The memorial is a project of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation and was paid for by Florida residents who purchased special Challenger mission automobile license plates. 2011 marks the 25th anniversary of the loss of Challenger, which broke apart over the Atlantic Ocean 73 seconds into flight on Jan. 28, 1986.

Marines from the The Presidents Own Marine Band, Marines from the Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C. (8th and I), and the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Caisson Platoon conduct military funeral honors with funeral escort for Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. John Canley in Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Aug. 25, 2022. Canley was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2018 for his actions during the battle of Hue City, Vietnam in 1968. As the Company Gunnery Sergeant, Company A, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine, 1st Marine Division, Canley and his Marines fought off multiple vicious attacks while attempting to relieve friendly forces that were surrounded by enemy forces. According to the award citation, despite being wounded in these engagements, Canley repeatedly rushed across fire-swept terrain to carry his wounded Marines to safety. Canley took command of Company A after his commanding officer was severely wounded and led the Marines into Hue

U.S. service members, veterans and members of the Mt. Soledad Memorial Association watch a flyover during a Veterans Day ceremony at Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial in La Jolla, California, Nov. 5, 2022. The Veterans Day ceremony was meant to honor the courage of the Navajo Code Talkers, specifically their knowledge and contributions to Marine victories during World War II.

CAPE MAY, N.J. - Personnel at U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May hold a remembrance ceremony for Petty Officer 1st Class Douglas Munro at his statue on the parade field, Sept. 27, 2022.U.S. Coast Guard men and women carry out a wide variety of diverse missions every day. Protecting people and commerce on the sea, protecting the sea itself, and protecting the country from threats aboard. We focus on present-day operations and readiness and strive to be prepared for tomorrow, but certain times compel us, and all Americans, to reflect on our history and heritage. The 80th anniversary of Munros extraordinarily heroic actions at Guadalcanal is such a day.

World War II Memorial in washington DC USA at National Mall

US Marine Corps War Memorial silhouetted in Arlington National Cemetery

USA, District of Columbia, Washington, National Mall, World War Two Memorial

The Defenders of the Alamo Statue in San Antonio, Texas.

The monument over the heroes of the Warsaw Uprising, on the Krasinskich Square, still evokes mixed feelings, as it did in 1988 when its intended form had been revealed to the public. Das Denkmal des Warschauer Aufstandes (Pomnik Powstania Warszawskiego) erinnert an die Kaempfer des Warschauer Aufstandes von 1944. Es wurde auf dem Krasiski-Platz vor dem Gebaeude des Obersten Gerichtshofs in Warschau erbaut und am 1. August 1989 enthuellt. Die Erbauer waren der Bildhauer Wincenty Kuma und der Architekt Jace

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kennedy Space Center Employees and guests placed wreaths and flowers at the Space Mirror Memorial at the spaceport's Visitor Complex during NASA's Day of Remembrance. The annual event took place on the 10th anniversary of the loss of the space shuttle Columbia and its crew and was hosted by the Astronauts Memorial Foundation. The ceremony also honored the astronauts of Apollo 1, who perished in 1967, and the shuttle Challenger, lost in 1986, as well as other astronauts who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. Dedicated in 1991, the names of fallen astronauts are emblazoned the monument's 4.5-foot-high-by-50-foot-wide polished black granite surface which reflects the sky and has been designated by Congress as a National Memorial.

Detail, National September 11 Memorial, New York, USA

Annalena Baerbock (Buendnis 90 Die Gruenen), Bundesaussenministerin, aufgenommen im Rahmen einer Kranzniederlegung an der Gedenkstaette AeuAllee der MaertyrerAeu in Baku, 04.11.2023

A marker inside the shrine room of the USS ARIZONA Memorial listing the names of survivors of the sinking of the battleship that have since been interned aboard the sunken ship upon their passing. There were 268 survivors who may be interned on their fallen ship. This marker names those who have chosen to do so. Base: Pearl Harbor State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Flight 93 National Memorial, Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Washington, D.C. Area, Arlington, Virginia, Marine Corps War Memorial, Also Known As The Iwo Jima Memorial

Solomons, Maryland, USA An American flag flies at half mast symbolizing a national tragedy.

Tyler TX - December 27, 2023: War Memorial and Flags at Memorial Park Cemetery Located in Tyler TX Tyler TX - December 27, 2023: War Memorial and Flags at Memorial Park Cemetery Located in Tyler Texas Copyright: xZoonar.com/LorixMartinx 21648235

Interior of a memorial, USS Arizona Memorial, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, USA

A view of the Vietnam Women's Memorial during the dedication ceremony on the National Mall on Veteran's Day. Diane Carlson Evans, founder of the Vietnam Women's Memorial project and a former Army nurse who served in Vietnam in 1968-69, addresses the crowd who came to see the unveiling of the statue. The statue was created by sculptor Glenne Goodacre. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Veterans Memorial Plaza is shown Aug. 5, 2022, at the Commemorative Area at Fort McCoy, Wis. The 900 block of Fort McCoy and the 11-acre area surrounding it are at the hub of the forts history-preservation efforts and is called the Commemorative Area. The Commemorative Area consists of five World War II-era buildings set aside to help tell Fort McCoy's unique story. These facilities are representative of the types found in the cantonment area when it was constructed in 1942. Three of the buildings an administrative facility, a dining facility, and a barracks are set up to depict Soldier life during the 1940s. Display items include a World War II chapel, bunk beds, footlockers, mannequins, and potbelly stoves. Another building highlights four different modern military training venues, and a separate facility shows various training aids. The area also has the Equipment Park. Veterans Memorial Plaza is a tribute to all of the men and women who have served the nation during each era of F

Outcome of War

Soldiers from across the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) assist in celebrating President George Washingtons Birthday at Mount Vernon, Va. on Feb. 19, 2024. Later that day, the Fife and Drum Corps marched during the 2024 George Washington Birthday Parade in Alexandria, Va. Army

USA, Washington State, Tacoma. Firefighters Memorial at Marine Park on the waterfront.

Staff Sgt. Patty Gardiner, Bravo Company, 16th Ordnance Battalion, helps to fold the American Flag during funeral honors detail practice April 28 at Training Area 23. Gardiner volunteered for the extra duty, saying participation increases her appreciation for military service and makes me feel like this is something bigger than myself.”

Visitors participate in the first Flowers of Remembrance Day at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., May 28, 2022. Visitors were given the opportunity to cross the plaza and place a flower in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This event pays homage to the first official Decoration Day, now known as Memorial Day, which originally took place at the cemetery in 1868 as a way to honor the sacrifices of those who fought and died in the Civil War.

Lt. Gen. Brad Webb, commander of Air Education and Training Command, and his wife Dawna Webb, show honor to the fallen during the All Veterans Memorial Service in San Antonio, Texas, April 10, 2022. The All Veterans Memorial Service is the oldest military event in Fiesta San Antonio and is hosted by the Alamo Chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America. The service, attended by veterans, spouses and survivors, veterans groups, and the general public, honors the sacrifices of past and present U.S. military members.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Sept. 9, 2022) U.S. Naval Academy Superintendent Vice Adm. Sean Buck places an American flag on Stribling Walk. Midshipmen placed 2,977 American flags on Stribling Walk to honor the lives lost on 9/11. As the undergraduate college of our country's naval service, the Naval Academy prepares young men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.

Patriot day of USA, America flag on black background

040526-N-0295M-012. State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Korean War Memorial Washington D.C.

The newly erected Gold Star Family Memorial Monument is unveiled at the Kansas State Capitol Visitors Center during a Gold Star Family memorial monument dedication ceremony, Sept. 23, 2022. A Gold Star Family is any family member of a person who has lost their life while serving in the United States Armed Forces, and the monument honors over 6,500 Kansan fallen service members.

220530-N-VP266-1005 WASHINGTON (May 30, 2022) -- A wreath rests in front of the Lone Sailor Statue at the Navy Memorial during a Memorial Day ceremony, May 30, 2022. Naval District Washington conducted a wreath laying ceremony to commemorate all fallen Sailors and service members in honor of Memorial Day.

Korean Veterans Memorial; Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America

Korean War Memorial. Nineteen larger-than-life stainless steel soldiers wearing poncho's with weapons, in a combat formation. Each statue weighs approximately 1,000 pounds. All branches of the military and ethnic groups who served in the war are depicted. THERE IS ONLY A SCREEN RESOLUTION IMAGE AVAILABLE. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Poppies on the War Memorial on Remembrance Sunday in East Grinstead

Officials added the names of 13 fallen Soldiers to the Kentucky National Guard Memorial during a ceremony at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky., May 30, 2022. The monument now honors 286 Solders and Airmen from the Kentucky Guard who died in service to their nation since 1912. Of the 13 names being added, 11 were killed during World War I, one in 1935 during weekend training, and another in 2001 just prior to 9/11.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial closeup

Wreaths for the United States of America, Gold Star Families, Armed Forces, and Prisoner of War/Missing in Action service members were presented at the Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony in the Daley Plaza, Chicago, Illinois, May 29, 2022. A Wreath Laying Ceremony is a traditional practice during which funeral wreaths are laid at the grave or memorial site.

A woman pointing to the World War II Memorial

USA, Virginia, Arlington. The grave of John F Kennedy in Arlington Cemetery.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (July 20, 2015) A memorial established by Chattanooga residents at the Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) and Marine Corps Reserve Center, Chattanooga shows their support for the victims of shootings July 16, 2015 at the NOSC and at a local Armed Forces Career Center.

Original Iwo Jima Monument By Felix de Weldon. State: District of Columbia Place: Washington.

Dyess Air Force Base, Texas celebrates the 35th anniversary of the C-130 Hercules as well as taking time to remember Dyess' fallen heroes. Fallen heroes were remembered by a moment of silence, followed by the placing of a wreath and one yellow rose for each fallen airman. The ceremony has held at the Dyess Linear Air Park. Base: Dyess Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

USA, Pennsylvania, Gettysburg. Civil war cemetary

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery

Wreaths at the U.S. World War II Memorial ,Washington D.C. and the National Monument

DA-ST-88-04875. Base: Mount Vernon State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Visitors participate in the first Flowers of Remembrance Day at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., May 28, 2022. Visitors were given the opportunity to cross the plaza and place a flower in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This event pays homage to the first official Decoration Day, now known as Memorial Day, which originally took place at the cemetery in 1868 as a way to honor the sacrifices of those who fought and died in the Civil War.

960628-F-9184G-005. Base: Dhahran Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

060615-N-2383B-067. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A ceremonial wreath is presented during a Veterans Day Ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii, November 11, 2022. Veterans Day began as Armistice Day, honoring the end of World War I. Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans, living or dead, who served their country honorably during war or peacetime. This ceremony was presented by the Oahu Veterans Council.

II GUERRA MUNDIAL- BATALLA DE IWO JIMA - MARINES IZANDO LA BANDERA NORTEAMERICANA EN LA CUMBRE DEL VOLCAN SURIBACHI EN FEBRERO DE 1945. Author: Joe Rosenthal (1911-2006).

USA, New York State, Binghamton, Spanish American war statue

John Brutzman, the substance abuse prevention coordinator for the Vermont National Guard, stands in front of the Fallen Heroes Memorial at Camp Johnson, Vermont, on Sept. 8, 2022. The 22 flags at the memorial represent the approximately 22 veterans lost to suicide every day. Brutzman, a native of Montclair, New Jersey, also serves as a suicide prevention coordinator as needed.

Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington DC, USA, North America

Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington DC, USA, North America

United States, Kansas, Abilene. A monument to Dwight Eisenhower, on the grounds of the Eisehower Center.

U.S. Navy Sailors assigned to the USS Bataan (LHD 5) and U.S. Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit as well as other members of military and government organizations walk around the 9/11 Memorial site after a 9/11 Freedom Run during Fleet Week New York 22, in New York City, May 25, 2022. As a part of Fleet Week New York 22, the Marines of Special Purpose Marine-Air Ground Task Force Fleet Week New York engage in special events throughout New York City and the Tri-State area showcasing sea service technologies, future innovation, and connecting with citizens. Fleet Week New York brings together more than 2,000 service members from the Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guard offering live band performances, military vehicle and equipment displays, and other community relations projects.

Red poppies on Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier in Ottawa, Canada on Remembrance Day

Inside the shrine room of the memorial bridge that spans the wreck of the battleship USS ARIZONA (BB 39), the names of the fallen crewmen are displayed in loving memory. Base: Pearl Harbor State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Happy Veterans Day from America's Shipyard - Thank You for Your Service!

111105-N-GS507-538PENSACOLA, Fla. (Nov. 5, 2011) Cryptologic Technician (Collection) 1st Class Charles Bradford, an instructor at the Center for Information Dominance Corry Station, places a flower at a shrine at the corner of 49th and Beech Street, where Seaman Tyler Jefferson, an Information Systems Technician "A" school student, was shot and killed in November 2009 while jogging through a residential neighborhood not far from Corry Station. The race was sponsored by the Corry Station Chief Petty Officers Association to honor Jefferson.

Oklahoma City National Memorial

USA, Mississippi, Corinth, Corinth Interpretive Center National Park. Civil War cemetery.

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